Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the foreign ministers of BRICS nations in New Delhi on Thursday, emphasizing the bloc's role in addressing global challenges and fostering multilateral cooperation. The meeting, held at Hyderabad House, saw participation from top diplomats of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Key Discussions
The discussions centered around pressing global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, economic instability, and the need for reforming international institutions. Modi highlighted the importance of BRICS as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among major emerging economies.
Strengthening Multilateralism
During the meeting, Modi called for a united approach to tackle challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and the digital divide. He stressed that BRICS must work towards a more inclusive and representative global governance structure. The foreign ministers also deliberated on enhancing trade and investment within the bloc.
Bilateral Meetings
On the sidelines of the BRICS meet, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held separate bilateral talks with his counterparts from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. These discussions covered a range of topics, including bilateral trade, energy cooperation, and regional security.
India's Role
India, as the current chair of BRICS, has been proactive in pushing for greater cooperation among member states. The New Delhi meeting is seen as a precursor to the upcoming BRICS summit later this year. Analysts view India's leadership as crucial in shaping the bloc's agenda and expanding its influence.
The meeting concluded with a joint statement reaffirming the commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter. The foreign ministers also agreed to work towards early implementation of the BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy.
